Gators to be more active with warm weather

Area residents can expect to see more alligators roaming around in populated areas as the weather warms up, Terrebonne Parish's nuisance alligator hunter said.

Xerxes WilsonStaff Writer

Area residents can expect to see more alligators roaming around in populated areas as the weather warms up, Terrebonne Parish's nuisance alligator hunter said. Drivers along Houma's busy Martin Luther King Boulevard were greeted by a 6-foot gator out for some Sunday sunning in the ditch in front of Walmart."We got a few calls about him," said Jacob Lirette, Terrebonne's only licensed gator nuisance hunter who is also know as "Gator Man." Lirette said he tried to capture the critter before it darted into the ditch as he approached. "I've gotten into the culverts with one already, and it wasn't worth it," he said with a laugh.Lirette said it's fairly common for gators to make their way into the heavily populated areas of Houma from the Savanne Road area. He said the gators follow drainage ditches as they look for food."We are actually in their territory," Lirette said. "The more we build up the less space they have." Alligator sightings are expected to increase, Lirette said."You are going to start seeing them out on the edge of the ditches," he said. "Next month is when they really start getting active."Lirette said he believes there are actually a few gators that frequent that area near Walmart because of other calls he has received. Though he's caught gators near there before, Lirette said that is difficult unless they are in a parking lot because the gator will typically retreat to water. He noted the gators are as scared of humans as humans are of them."As long as you leave them alone, they will leave you alone," Lirette said. "Unless there is nest there. If people are walking by, they are going to jump in the water and run away."

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